Everything You Need To Know About VET TEC & Funding

In recognition of our veterans’ selfless sacrifices, it’s our duty to equip them with the necessary resources and tools for forging rewarding career paths post-military service. Among these benefits is an extraordinary opportunity known as the Veteran Employment Through Technology Education Courses (VET TEC).

The VET TEC program offers more than just a gateway into the booming tech sector; it represents a life-changing career shift some veterans may not even be aware of. These courses empower veterans to acquire highly sought-after skills, preparing them to thrive in the ever-expanding landscape of web development, computer science, and programming industries across the U.S.

If transitioning into a high-demand tech career has crossed your mind, let it be known – there is no better time than now. VET TEC doesn’t just cover your tuition; it also provides an array of additional benefits designed to ensure your successful transition, all within a concise timeframe.

The program is designed with veterans in mind, providing an abundance of resources to maximize the success of this transition and laying the groundwork for a fulfilling career trajectory.

So, continue reading as we delve into the details of enrolling in VET TEC-approved programs, using the V.A. education benefits payment, and stepping into the bright future that awaits you in the tech industry.

Breakdown of the VET TEC Program:

What is the current status of the VET TEC program?

Updates: 8/01/2023

We are thrilled to announce that funding for the VET TEC program is due to reboot in October 2023!

Over the years, the VET TEC program has achieved remarkable success, and we foresee a high level of interest when funding resumes. LEARN academy’s Full-Stack Program beginning on October 9th, 2023, and concluding on January 12th, 2024, is our first cohort eligible for the renewed VET TEC funding.

We have now opened applications for individuals eager to embark on this rewarding journey and secure their spot in the upcoming cohort.

For those seeking more information about the workings of the VET TEC program, exploring enrollment opportunities, or simply looking for clarity, we invite you to schedule a session with our team or join one of our monthly info sessions.

VET TEC Program: A Glimpse into the Past and Future

Since its formation, the VET TEC program has helped transform the career trajectories of veterans, positioning them at the forefront of the technology sector. Here is a glimpse of the history of the program since its launch.

  1. Launch: The VET TEC program took off as a five-year pilot in 2019 under the Harry W. Colmery Veterans Educational Assistance Act, popularly known as the “Forever GI Bill.” Its primary goal is to equip veterans with short-term technology training for navigating high-demand industries.
  2. Present: The program, slated to reopen with funding beginning on October 1st, 2023, has successfully steered approximately 8,000 out of 12,000 participating veterans into full-time tech industry roles, marking a significant positive impact in their lives and professional journeys.
  3. Future: The future of the VET TEC program beyond its pilot phase, expiring in 2024, still needs to be determined. The Forever VET TEC bill, known as the VET-TEC Authorization Act, is designed to make the VET TEC program a permanent fixture. Introduced in Congress, this bill necessitates the Department of Veterans Affairs (V.A.) to implement the program permanently, extending support to 8,000 covered individuals annually. It seeks to empower transitioning service members and veterans by facilitating access to high-tech careers through the VET TEC program.

What benefits and courses does the VET TEC Program cover?

The VET TEC program gives veterans the tools and insights they need to thrive in today’s technology-driven industries. This initiative equips participants with the necessary knowledge to excel in information security, software coding, and other tech-centric roles. It’s important to note that the availability of specific courses is subject to change depending on the training provider. You can find various VA-approved training providers and explore their courses to identify the most fitting training opportunity for your career ambitions.

The VET TEC program’s offerings span an array of technology-related disciplines tailored to the unique offerings of each VA-approved training provider. The core domains typically covered include:

  1. Computer Software
  2. Computer Programming
  3. Data Processing
  4. Information Science
  5. Media Applications

Participation in the VET TEC program not only equips you with cutting-edge skills for in-demand tech industries but also provides you with substantial benefits, including:

  • Complete Tuition Coverage for High-Tech Training Programs: VET TEC removes the financial roadblock from your path to education by covering the tuition costs for full-time high-tech training programs. This commitment allows you to dedicate your focus to honing new skills, free from the shadow of looming tuition fees.
  • Housing Allowance During Training: Since resources can be stretched during educational endeavors, VET TEC extends financial support for housing throughout your training period. This housing allowance is another stepping stone to ease your journey into the tech industry.

How does the VET TEC Process work?

The VET TEC process underscores the V.A.’s commitment to results-focused solutions, forming strategic alliances with technology bootcamp training schools to help students secure relevant employment. The VA’s VET TEC funding hinges directly on the training school’s performance, the learners’ progress, and career in the tech sector.

The funding mechanism begins with the veteran’s enrollment in the program. At this point, the VA sends 25% of the allocated tuition and fees directly to the training provider. This upfront financial support enables veterans to commence their education smoothly.

The funding continues when veterans conclude their bootcamp, prompting the V.A. to disburse another 25% of the payment. This further facilitates their transition into the workforce.

The final payment, comprising 50% of the total, is made when veterans secure jobs in their trained field, highlighting the V.A.’s emphasis on results. For this to occur, the training school must provide validated proof of the veterans’ employment. Thus, the VET TEC process links education and employment, encouraging successful outcomes in the rapidly growing tech industry.

How to navigate Basic Allowance for Housing?

Deciphering the various financial elements of an educational program sometimes feels like a complex puzzle. For participants in the VET TEC program, a Monthly Housing Allowance (MHA) is a supportive pillar, easing the burden of housing expenses during the training period.

Eligible participants can expect to receive this allowance at each month’s end. Remember, however, that verifying your enrollment monthly is necessary to ensure you receive this benefit.

  • In-Person Training: For veterans attending in-person training within the U.S., the MHA is calculated based on the military Basic Allowance for Housing (BAH) rates for an E-5 with dependents, commonly referred to as the resident MHA.
  • Online Training: The MHA is determined based on the national average for veterans who opt for online training. The maximum monthly payout, in this case, is half the national average for MHA.

For veterans, dependents, National Guard members, and reserve service members, the Monthly Housing Allowance (MHA) Calculator can be a helpful tool to estimate your monthly housing payments under the GI Bill. It’s worth noting that these could vary from the BAH.

Am I eligible for the VET TEC program?

If you’re interested in joining the VET TEC program, you must meet the following prerequisites:

  • You are no longer on active duty or within 180 days of leaving active duty.
  • You are eligible for V.A. education benefits under the GI Bill.
  • You have at least one day of GI Bill entitlement remaining.
  • You have been accepted into a program by a VA-approved training provider.

Meeting these conditions qualifies you for the VET TEC program. To proceed, you must apply for the VET TEC program through the V.A. and acquire your Certificate of Eligibility.

Once you’ve established eligibility for the VET TEC training program, the next crucial step is to evaluate your interest in various technical skills such as JavaScript foundations, REACT, Ruby, web development, and computer sciences.

This requires answering these reflective questions:

  • Are you seeking to secure high-paying employment?
  • Are you exploring new opportunities and careers?
  • Do you want to stay current with evolving technology?
  • Can you enroll as a full-time student in a VET-TEC-approved program?

A ‘yes’ to all the above questions indicates your readiness as a veteran to accept the new challenge of learning advanced, in-demand high-tech skills.

What’s the difference between VET TEC and GI Bill?

As you explore the VET TEC program, you may also come across the GI Bill, another significant benefit for veterans. However, it’s essential to understand the difference between GI Bill and VET TEC to ensure their funds will stay supplied.

VET TEC Post-9/11 GI Bill
Purpose Vocational; student expected to find employment upon completion of the program Educational
Impact on student’s remaining Entitlement Does not utilize GI Bill entitlement Reduces the amount of remaining GI Bill Entitlement
Eligibility for non-Post 9/11 GI Bill students Yes, GI Bill students with at least one day of unexpired GI Bill entitlement may be eligible No
VA Payment Model VA pays the cost of the program based on a pay for performance model; 25% upon enrollment and attendance, 25% upon completion, 50% upon employment VA pays at a benefit level dependent on length of service. To determine your student’s benefit level, please see https://www.va.gov/education/benefit-rates/
Benefits under the program Tuition and Fees, Housing Tuition and Fees, Housing, Books and Supplies
Eligibility for recipients of Transfer of Entitlement (TOE) beneficiaries and Fry Scholars Not eligible Eligible
Information Source VET TEC Student Site Post-9/11 GI Bill Student Site
Application Source VET TEC Application Post-9/11 GI Bill Application
Attendance Requirement Full-time Full-time or part-time

How to apply for the VET TEC Program?

If you’re eligible and ready to embark on your VET TEC journey, here’s a simple guide to help you apply:

  1. Identify a Training Provider: Research a VA-approved training provider offering courses that align with your interests and career goals. A list of providers can be found on the V.A. website.
  2. Apply for VET TEC: Complete VA Form 22-0994 (Application for Veteran Employment Through Technology Education Courses (VET TEC)) online at va.gov. You’ll need to log in to your account to apply.
  3. Application: Apply for the course through the selected training provider. Gain admission into their program.
  4. Certificate of Eligibility: After you’ve applied, the V.A. will review your application and send you a Certificate of Eligibility if approved. This certificate validates your acceptance into the VET TEC program.
  5. Notify Your Training Provider: Once you receive your Certificate of Eligibility, provide it to your training provider to start your course.

Remember, the VET TEC program operates on a first-come, first-served basis until the funding cap is reached. Apply as early as possible to ensure your place in the program. After reaching the cap, the V.A. will stop accepting new VET TEC students until the next fiscal year begins.

What is the timeline for acquiring a COE?

The Department of Veterans Affairs generally takes around 30 days to process VET TEC applications. It’s advisable to anticipate a longer processing time to avoid missing class start dates due to late application submissions. For a clearer picture, some participants have reported receiving approval for their VET TEC application about a month after applying. However, the exact response time for VET TEC applications can vary, and applicants should expect at least a 30-day waiting period for a decision.

How to check your COE status?

The Department of Veterans Affairs generally takes around 30 days to process VET TEC applications. It’s advisable to anticipate a longer processing time to avoid missing class start dates due to late application submissions. For a clearer picture, some participants have reported receiving approval for their VET TEC application about a month after applying. However, the exact response time for VET TEC applications can vary, and applicants should expect at least a 30-day waiting period for a decision.

What job search resources are available after VET TEC?

Embarking on a career transition is not merely about acquiring new skills but about preparing for the landscape ahead. With the successful completion of the VET TEC program, the emphasis swiftly shifts towards optimizing your career transition. The key here is to opt for a provider incorporating comprehensive career services within the program, equipping you with technical expertise and skills essential for effective post-program job hunting.

In addition to your skill set, your job search’s efficacy largely hinges on your access to resources and networking platforms. Fortuitously, both the V.A. and the VET TEC program offer an array of exclusive resources to VET TEC graduates. These are designed to facilitate efficient job hunting and create robust networks within the industry.

Here’s a compilation of the many career and networking resources available to you:

These resources are your stepping stones to a successful career transition, helping you traverse the journey with confidence and finesse. The skills you acquire during your VET TEC program, combined with these resources, can significantly enhance your job search efficiency, enabling a smoother transition into your chosen industry.

Paving Your Path Forward

Armed with the knowledge of the VET TEC program’s immense potential, you’re primed to embark on a career-transforming journey.

As an approved VET TEC provider, LEARN academy has proudly facilitated the seamless transition of hundreds of veterans into flourishing tech careers. Our curated 16-week Full Stack Program is designed to empower veterans and individuals seeking a career pivot to transition from non-tech fields to tech roles, even without prior coding experience.

To ensure a smooth start, we provide a weekend preparatory course. It aims to familiarize you with our immersive learning atmosphere. It equips you with essential coding skills, paving the way for success in our full-time program.

Curious about mapping out your next steps? We recommend attending one of our informative monthly sessions and scheduling a chat with our Career Mentors. We eagerly await the opportunity to partner with you in shaping your exciting new future in the tech world!

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